bliss



E. BLISS.

Watch Case.

No. 19,966. Patented April 13, 1858.

N. PEYERS. Pholcidhogrzphcr. washmgmm n1;

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,

E. BLISS, OF NEYVARK, NEIV JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO BALDIVIN & CO., OF SAME PLACE.

WATCHCASE.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 19,966, dated April 13, 1858; Reissued N ovember 23, 1858, No. 628.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELII-IU BLIss, of Newark, county of Essex, and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vatchcases, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming part of this specification, in which- Figure 1, represents a perspective view of a watch case embracing my improvements, with the dial facing the closed bezel. Fig. 2, represents a plan of the same with the watch reversed in the outer case, the dial facing the open bezel. Fig. 3, represents a vertical section of the case on the line 00 x of Fig. 2, and Fig. at represents a horizontal section, showing the arrangement of the push piece operating the spring catch to the closed bezel of the outer case.

My improvement in watch cases, relates to that class known in the trade as magic cases, and which consist of two cases; an outer and an inner: the inner for holding the body of the watch, and the outer arranged to contain the inner and admit of its being reversed, so as to form either an open faced or hunting watch. The usual mode adopted to reverse the inner case is to take it from the outer when open, turn it over, and put it back with the dial facing in the opposite direction. In this arrangement the pendant is attached to the inner case, and as the position of the figure 12 of the dial is not changed in relation to the pendant in reversing the watch, it is therefore in one position of the watch, in the wrong place, whether located opposite the pendant as in the open face watches or at right angles to it, as in hunting watches. In the English patent of John F. Watson, this defect is avoided by pivoting the interior to the exterior casing, and arranging the pivots in such position in relation to the figures and the pendant (which in this instance is attached to the outer case) that, on turning the watch over, the figure 12 of the dial plate comes in the right position for a hunting or open face watch.

My invention consists, first, in attaching the body of the watch permanently to the outer case by means of the pendant, and by a pivot placed directly opposite it, so that the body of the watch can be reversed in the outer case by turning it on the pivots as a center by means of the pendant. Second, in arranging the body of the watch so that it can be turned in a plane parallel to its face, while at the same time it is pivoted to the outer case, by which means, when it is reversed in the outer case, the figure 12, of the dial plate is brought in the right position for a hunting or open faced watch. Third, in arranging the push piece passing through the pendant, so as to operate the spring catch to the closed back of the outer case when the face of the watch is in either position.

In the accompanying drawing is represented a magic case embracing my invention, which consists of two cases, an interior one for holding the works of the watch and an exterior to which the interior is permanently attached, but in such manner that it can be reversed to make either an open face or hunting watch.

The interior case consists of a ring formed in two parts, and provided with a close metallic back, and an open frame for holding the glass, or as they are termed by the trade, open and closed bezels.

The inner ring (a) is grooved on the exterior so as to leave a flange on the outer edges, and in this groove is fitted the outer ring (1)) so that the body of the watch can be turned parallel to its face in order to change the position of the figures in relation to the pendant when the body of the watch is reversed in the outer case.

A slot (Z) is cut through the outer ring extending about one quarter around, or one edge of the ring is removed and a small screw or pin (6) is inserted through the slot into the inner ring, and limits the range of motion of the body of the watch.

The outer case consists of a ring (D) to one side of which is hinged an open bezel (C) and to the opposite a closed one A pendant (F) with a long shank is attached to one side of the outer ring of the inner case, and directly opposite a pivot (c) and on these two points which are fitted permanently to sockets in the outer case, the body of the watch is reversed by means of the pendant which projects beyond the outer case, in the usual manner of watches.

Through the center of the pendant passes a push piece (f) to operate a spring catch which holds the closed bezel of the outer case when shut. A pin (7L) passing through this push piece near the inner end projects through slots cut in the pendant on either side and acts upon the spring '(2') in both positions of the body of the Watch.

On reversing the body of the Watch the open and closed bezels are opened and the body of the Watch reversed by the pendant, after Which, the body of the Watch is turned Within the outer ring of the inner case, in order to bring the figure 12 of the dial either opposite or at right angles with the pendant as required for the open face or hunting Watch. The closing of the bezels of the outer case retain the body of the Watch in position.

I do not confine myself to this precise arrangement or their connection With each other, of the two rings of the interior case, as they are susceptible of many modifications, and still admit of the body of the Watch being turned in the plane of the dial. The outer ring instead of being slotted may be grooved in interior surface to receive and cover the head of the stop Which limits the range of motion of the body of the Watch. Recesses may be cut at both ends and at right angles to the slot or groove, into which the stop enters and prevent the body of the Watch from slipping back after it is adjusted to the pendant. The bezel holding the glass may form one of the flanges for holding the outer to the inner ring if thought best.

Having thus described my improvements in magic cases for Watches, What I claim therein as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In arranging the pendant so as to form one of the centers on which the body of the watch turns and by Which it is permanently attached to the outer case, whereby the pendant itself forms a handle to reverse the body of the Watch in the outer case, for the purpose described.

2. Arranging the case holding the Works of the Watch Within a secondary ring (2)) pivoted to the outer case, so that the body of the Watch can be turned in a plane parallel to its face in order to change the position of the figures on the dial plate When the watch is reversed in the outer case.

3. The arrangement of the push piece (f) and pin (it) as described so as to act on the spring holding catch of the closed bezel of the outer case When on either side of the pendant.

In testimony whereof I have subscribed my name.

ELII-IU BLISS.

Witnesses:

JAs. H. BARNET, STEPHEN R. HAINES.

[FIRST PRINTED 1912.] 

